Oydssey of the Nautilus

[John Cribati]

"Hah!"

Aisha snorted, cocking her head.

"Lily who? That plate-clad little wench clip-clopping around the place? Assist nothing, at this rate, you two are bringing all the guards in this sty down on our heads with all this racket you're making."

The infiltrator shot back at the boy, gesturing at Lillian.

"Go ahead, boy. Tell me what's in it for me to help you two out of here. The way I see it, I'll be better off leaving you two to fend for yourself."

Or maybe we can leave you to fend for yourself. Against the guards whom I've allegedly brought down upon all of our heads. So go on through the door. I'm sure you could catch a couple unawares, attacking from the darkness and such, but facing them head-on will end badly for you and your charge, wouldn't it? No matter; Lily and I know the worth of meat shields and distractions.

[Penguinator]

"Silence, old fool. I haven't got time for that stuff at this moment."

"What's that? You say you'll take them all on single-handedly? Splendid!" He turned to anyone in the room. "You hear that, boys? She's all yours."

[Ascaloth]

Or maybe we can leave you to fend for yourself. Against the guards whom I've allegedly brought down upon all of our heads. So go on through the door. I'm sure you could catch a couple unawares, attacking from the darkness and such, but facing them head-on will end badly for you and your charge, wouldn't it? No matter; Lily and I know the worth of meat shields and distractions.

"Ha! Hahahaha!"

Aisha threw back her head, and her peal of laughter sounded like the jingling of bells.

"Of course! It's always about 'facing them head-on' with you warrior types, isn't it? Can't ever figure some other way, and that's why so many of your kind die young in some ditch somewhere."

The infiltrator shot back, but now she was smiling.

"But you know what, boy, I like you already! Aren't many brats can take my tongue and give as good as they got. Alright, keep your racket down, and I might just be able to sneak you outta here. I meant it when I said I didn't have your ticket outta here, though."

"What's that? You say you'll take them all on single-handedly? Splendid!"

"You hear that, boys? She's all yours."

To that, the dark-skinned woman looked askance at Solomon.



"A fool, and deaf. So who's this old codger to you?"

[John Cribati]

"A fool, and deaf. So who's this old codger to you?"

Healer, meat shield and/or distraction. We... just went over this, didn't we?

[Ascaloth]

Healer, meat shield and/or distraction. We... just went over this, didn't we?

"Hmmmm...?"

Aisha purred, giving Solomon the once-over. Then, she tilted her head towards Octamus again.

"More ruthless than your pretty little face would suggest, huh boy? Very well then."

She turned back to Solomon, jerking her thumb at the door.

"You, old fool. Up front."

[Penguinator]

(Insert angry face sprite)
Solomon's eyes snapped dangerously open. "I don't take orders from any of you lot. You will not call me old, and you will not call me fool. Or I will make life very, very difficult for you."

"Understood?"

[Sairyu]

"This is pointless. We're far more likely to kill each other than the Azurites."

The cleric turned to the thief,


"Let us be off, I've no desire to keep the company of these people for any longer than necessity absolutely dictates."

[Ascaloth]

(Insert angry face sprite)
Solomon's eyes snapped dangerously open. "I don't take orders from any of you lot. You will not call me old, and you will not call me fool. Or I will make life very, very difficult for you."

"Understood?"

"Tch!"

Undaunted, Aisha shifted her stance slightly, and had placed her hand on the hilt of her blade, ready to put the old fool in his place once and for all. But then...

"This is pointless. We're far more likely to kill each other than the Azurites."


"Let us be off, I've no desire to keep the company of these people for any longer than necessity absolutely dictates."

The Valni infiltrator turned back to look at Bergliot, regarding her out of the corner of her eyes. And then, she turned around to face her compatriot, and bowed with her right hand across her chest.

"As you wish, Miss Vinter. Let us waste no more time."

[John Cribati]

(Insert angry face sprite)
Solomon's eyes snapped dangerously open. "I don't take orders from any of you lot. You will not call me old, and you will not call me fool. Or I will make life very, very difficult for you."

"Understood?"

My apologies, sir. It will do me good to defer to your wisdom and experience, and I am sure that my compatriot will do so for as long as she is allied with me.

[Illven]

Aww.... If I were up eariler, I was going to have Lillian threaten to call the guards and point out that Bergliot can't stealth. Sad Illven



Great, now that we're all friends can we go? She asked annoyed.

Vinter, keep your staff trained on my boss. I shall scout ahead.

[Ascaloth]

Great, now that we're all friends can we go?

Vinter, keep your staff trained on my boss. I shall scout ahead.

Turning around to face the knight girl who had finally decided to pipe up, Aisha rolled her eyes. Right, so it's okay for these fine folks to order her countrywoman around, then?



"Sure, boss."

The Shade muttered sarcastically.

"Clip-clop, clip-clop, clippity-clop."

At the same time as she was muttering under her breath, Aisha was taking a second look at Solomon. Her ire at the old man's eccentric ways had blinded her to the observation earlier, but now that she had time to think about it... something was off about this particular old fool. What was it...?

[Rising Phoenix]

Turn 3.5

Player Phase 3.5
If Octamus opens the door Lillian cannot be on N7, I have moved her to an adjacent square instead.

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1) Octamus to N7 uses door key.
A long, blue lit corridor is behind this door. It is familiar as you’ve walked across it many a time to Tickler’s room (which is on your right). The door to his torture chamber is closed and an armoured knight is stationed in front of it as well as the one opposite him. The racket of your assault and bickering has obviously alerted them as they have their spears at the ready. However, when someone speaks it is no either of these two men but one at the far end of the corridor armoured and chain and leather.
“So the rats got out of their cages.” He says mildly surprised brandishing his steel sword. “I do not know how you managed the feat, but you will pay for it dearly… “ he turns behind him “Oi! Hurry up you numb skulls! Time for some actual practice!”
2) Solomon to O8. Attempts to calm emotions. Influence result: ???
You cannot see the expression of the knights underneath their helmets, but the swordsman cracks a grin.
“Oh yes, must be good to stretch those old bones of yours old man, too bad they’ll not be functioning once we are done here.”

Everyone else pending

Enemy Phase 3

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Pending

Map-1

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Goals: 1. Rescue Grey Matter- On 14AD
2. Lord arrives on O26.

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Enemies:

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Armored Knights [U6, I6], lv 1, 12P and 12N
Hp 20
Str 4
Skl 4
Spd 0
Lck 0
Def 5
Res 0
Con 13
Move 4
Equipment:
Iron Lance (45/45), door key 1/1 (one each)
Wgt: 8, Attack Speed: 2, Accuracy: 88, Dmg: 11, Crit: 2, Avoid: 0.


Tavo, lv 3 Mercenary, 26 O
Hp 31
Str 6
Skl 7
Spd 6
Lck 2
Def 4
Res 1
Con 10
Move 5
Equipment:
Steel Sword (30/30)
Wgt: 10, Attack Speed: 6, Accuracy: 82, Dmg: 16, Crit: 5, Avoid: 14

PC Stats

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Octamus Prime, Mage Lord- Lv 1- Herpestidae

EXP: 42/100
HP: 16
MAG: 5
SKL: 6
SPD: 5
LCK: 6
DEF: 1
RES: 4
CON: 10
Move: 5

ICE Affinity. Affinity Points: Lillian 2, Solomon 1

Equipment: Fire Tome (38/40). Damage: 11, Hit: 108, Attack Speed: 5, Avoid: 16, [B]Crit[B]: 3%

Vulnery 3/3

Weapon Exp: Anima: 2


Lillian, Lance Mounted Knight- Lv 1- Illven



EXP: 31/100
HP: 18
STR: 7
SKL:6
SPD:6
LCK:1
DEF:8
RES:0
CON:10 (Aid is 15)
Move: 7

Dark Affinity. Affinity Points: Bergliot: 2, Octamus 2

Equipment:
Iron Lance (43/45). Damage: 14, Hit: 103, Attack Speed: 6, Avoid: 13, [B]Crit[B]: 3%

Vulnery 3/3

Weapon Exp: Lances: 2

Bergliot Vinter, Priest- Lv 1- Sairyu



EXP: 11/100
HP: 18
MAG: 5
SKL: 5
SPD: 6
LCK: 6
DEF: 4
RES: 4
CON: 8
Move:5

Anima Affinity. Affinity Points: Lillian 2

Equipment: Heal Staff (29/30). Damage: -, Hit: -, Attack Speed: 6, Avoid: 20, [B]Crit[B]: -

Vulnery 3/3

Weapon Exp: Staves: 1


Aisha, "the Shade", Lv 1 Thief- Ascaloth



EXP: 0/100
HP: 16/16
STR: 5
SKL: 6
SPD: 7
LCK: 5
DEF: 3
RES: 3
CON: 8
Move: 6

DARK Affinity. Affinity Points:-

Equipment: Iron Sword (46/46): Damage: 10, Hit: 117, Attack Speed: 7, Avoid: 19, [B]Crit[B]: 3%
Lock Pick: 15/15
Vulnery 3/3

Weapon Exp: Swords: -



Solomon the Elder Jeigan Priest 10- Penguinator



EXP: 0/100
HP: 22/22
MAG: 11
SKL: 2
SPD: 11
LCK: 4
DEF: 8
RES: 9
CON:
Move: 5

Thunder Affinity Points: Octamus 1.

Equipment: Heal Staff (30/30). Damage: -, Hit: -, Attack Speed: 8, Avoid: 26, [B]Crit[B]: -

Vulnery 3/3

Weapon Exp: Staves: -

[Penguinator]

Solomon clapped his hands. "Hahahaha! Oh, you are just too much." He shook his head, smiling. "You don't have the guts to fight for yourself? Petty, petty coward. Is that why you're stationed here with the lowest of the low?"

[Rising Phoenix]

Solomon clapped his hands. "Hahahaha! Oh, you are just too much." He shook his head, smiling. "You don't have the guts to fight for yourself? Petty, petty coward. Is that why you're stationed here with the lowest of the low?"

The man gives you a toothy grin "Oh I have guts-a-plenty." he slaps his stomach "I just like them inside me is all. If I were to act now, and rush towards you I'd get charred like the two rookies your 'Prince' just roasted. In other words I'd be a fool. If that makes me a coward in the eyes of carrion crabs so be it. I don't care". his eyes narrow. "As to why I am here: Orders from high up and I am not that high in the pecking order."

[Penguinator]

The man gives you a toothy grin "Oh I have guts-a-plenty." he slaps his stomach "I just like them inside me is all. If I were to act now, and rush towards you I'd get charred like the two rookies your 'Prince' just roasted. In other words I'd be a fool. If that makes me a coward in the eyes of carrion crabs so be it. I don't care". his eyes narrow. "As to why I am here: Orders from high up and I am not that high in the pecking order."

"Yes, exactly. You're a pansy, so they can't trust you anywhere else. You'll never see a promotion, because you're too timid to fight your own battles, instead preferring to send your lackeys after your foes." He smiled. "In fact, that's rather what they're doing, isn't it? Sending you, their lackey, to take care of things. Fat lot of cowards in this place, aren't there?"

[Rising Phoenix]

"Yes, exactly. You're a pansy, so they can't trust you anywhere else. You'll never see a promotion, because you're too timid to fight your own battles, instead preferring to send your lackeys after your foes." He smiled. "In fact, that's rather what they're doing, isn't it? Sending you, their lackey, to take care of things. Fat lot of cowards in this place, aren't there?"

[-I really want to punch him in the face-]

The mans face darkens with anger for a moment before taking a truly venomous look "You do have a nice mouth... I think I'll ask the tickler to remove that pretty tongue of yours... You know... some of your friends called us those words too until... oh wait... I am not allowed to tell... tee-hee..."

[Penguinator]

[-I really want to punch him in the face-]

The mans face darkens with anger for a moment before taking a truly venomous look "You do have a nice mouth... I think I'll ask the tickler to remove that pretty tongue of yours... You know... some of your friends called us those words too until... oh wait... I am not allowed to tell... tee-hee..."

"What's that? Another lackey? Dear boy, you're going to have to do better than that." He shook his head. "And now you're even afraid to talk. What a true coward you are! Bravo!"

[John Cribati]

Octamus nudges the thief, directing her attention to the mouthy healer. Another good reason to keep him around, eh?

[Illven]

Ol.... Lillian started before remembering that he didn't like to be called that. No reason to annoy her allies

Sir, I insist you let me take charge. I'm the one in armor.

[Penguinator]

Sir, I insist you let me take charge. I'm the one in armor.

"If you wish."

[Ascaloth]

Another good reason to keep him around, eh?

Nudged by the boy, the thief raised her eyebrows at his words. Then sighing, she took Octamus's hand in hers, and palmed 10 coins in his hand.



"Yeah, alright. I concede that."

[John Cribati]

Nudged by the boy, the thief raised her eyebrows at his words. Then sighing, she took Octamus's hand in his, and palmed 10 coins in his hand.



"Yeah, alright. I concede that."

Octamus glances at the gold in his hands before slipping the coins into his robe. Chump change. The gesture is appreciated all the same, but you're probably loaded.

"Never make offers. Imply them.", Friegal's words echo in his head.

He puts on an air of innocence once again.Just saying, in my neck of the woods, a spy of your caliber would be rich enough to build a mansion out of gold bricks.

[Ascaloth]

Chump change. The gesture is appreciated all the same, but you're probably loaded.

Just saying, in my neck of the woods, a spy of your caliber would be rich enough to build a mansion out of gold bricks.

The implication was not lost on Aisha, causing another raised eyebrow from the thief. Torn between outrage at the suggestion that she could be bought, and admiration for the sheer audacity on the part of the boy, the Shade took a moment to consider her response.



"You want to quit while you're still ahead, boy? Drop it. It is not for gold that I do what I do."

[John Cribati]

"You want to quit while you're still ahead, boy? Drop it. It is not for gold that I do what I do."

Forgive me, I meant no offense. I was just saying that someone in your line of work would always have a job to do. Lots of opportunities to take cheeky young gits and knock them down a few pegs. Been a while since I matched wits with someone worth the effort, too.

[Ascaloth]

Forgive me, I meant no offense. I was just saying that someone in your line of work would always have a job to do. Lots of opportunities to take cheeky young gits and knock them down a few pegs. Been a while since I matched wits with someone worth the effort, too.

To that, Aisha rolled her eyes, but a smirk accompanied the sarcastic gesture.



"Always have a job to do, huh? If only you had a clue, boy."

Aisha drew her short sword, seeing the Azurite knights alerted by the old fool's bantering come rushing. The infiltrator didn't think she would be much good against their lances, but she'd be darned if she died without a blade in her hand at least.

"And now, if you and Ol' Creakin' Bones are quite done bringing down the guard on our heads, they're coming this way even as we speak. Let's see how good your clip-clopping Lily-girl is with her stick."

The Shade readied herself for combat, a slight narrowing of her eyes the only sign to betray her increasing discomfiture with the whole situation. Apart from the decidedly 'off' feeling she was getting from the old fool - and which she felt she was just a hair's breadth from putting her finger on - she was now feeling there was something off about the boy, too.

Now she had another moment to think of it, how did such an innocuous-looking boy get it in his head to try and imply the purchase of her skill set so subtly? That was not the bargaining tactic of a rank amateur, and if her intuition have not failed her, he sounded as sincere as he could get with an implied offer. Not to mention the company of his armed escort as well; at the very least, this boy must be the scion of some powerful merchant family who understood the value of economic subterfuge, but the Shade had a hunch even that was an underestimation. Just who was this boy?

Wait a minute. Did I hear wrongly, or did that oaf all the way at the back say 'Prince'?

Aisha's eyes widened slightly, and she kept the boy just within the edge of her field of vision, while mulling over the implications of that. That term could really mean one of many things, but could it be...?

[Illven]

Lillian did not like the interest the thief was showing in her lord. Unlike the two healers they had picked up, she was dangerous. Not to herself of course, but her lord did not have armor to protect himself. She would have to be his armor.

Lillian placed her hand on Aisha's shoulder.

Do you need him for something? Lillian asked pointing to Octamus. Lillian had a feeling that using his name wouldn't be a good idea.

[Ascaloth]

Do you need him for something?

Feeling the hand on her shoulder, Aisha narrowed her eyes again. Note to self, the Lily-girl is a vigilant one, she thought.

She shrugged off Lillian's hand, looking back at her with a decidedly droll look.



"Yeah. Mostly to quit setting up barbeque parties with the Azurite corpses, and sending out invitations to the whole darn sty with the smell. Though I don't see how that'll help much, Creakin' Bones is doing a helluva job at sending out the invitations by himself.

[Illven]

Feeling the hand on her shoulder, Aisha narrowed her eyes again. Note to self, the Lily-girl is a vigilant one, she thought.

She shrugged off Lillian's hand, looking back at her with a decidedly droll look.



"Yeah. Mostly to quit setting up barbeque parties with the Azurite corpses, and sending out invitations to the whole darn sty with the smell. Though I don't see how that'll help much, Creakin' Bones is doing a helluva job at sending out the invitations by himself.

How do you intend for him to fight? Stare our enemies to death. Lillian pointed out.

[Ascaloth]

How do you intend for him to fight? Stare our enemies to death.

"Hell, boy's a mageling, isn't he? He could do that for all I know."

[John Cribati]

"Hell, boy's a mageling, isn't he? He could do that for all I know."

Tried it once when I was younger. Y'know those little colored spots you see when you look into a torch too long? Imagine that was your whole field of vision. Though I guess if I'd have taken up elder magic, I'd be glaring people to death for the sheer novelty of it.